CORREGIDOR

(pics. l-r) 1. Sister Bird on Big Gun at Corregidor 2. W.W 2 Barracks 3. View of Corregidor Island from Top Side 4. Sister Bird at Welcome Sign 5. Large Lizard 6. Map of Corregidor 7. E/S Bird in Front of Pacific War Memorial 8. E/S Bird in Front of 14" Gun 9. Line of Guns 10. Malinta Tunnel

On Wednesday, December 28, 2011, Elder Bird and I organized a trip for the Senior Missionaries in our Zone to travel to the island of Corregidor. Corregidor is one of the most important historic and tourist sites in the country. It is a lofty island located at the entrance of Manila Bay in southwestern part of Luzon Island in the Philippines. Due to this location, Corregidor was fortified with several coastal artillery and ammunition magazines to defend the entrance of Manila Bay and the City of Manila, from attacks by enemy warships in the event of war. Located 48 kilometres (30 mi) inland, Manila has been the largest city and the most important seaport in the Philippines for centuries—from the colonial rule of Spain, the United States, and Japan and after the establishment of the Republic of the Philippines in 1946. During World War II, Corregidor played an important role during the invasion and liberation of the Philippines from Japanese forces. Heavily bombarded in the latter part of the war, the ruins left on the island serve as a military memorial to many American, Filipino and Japanese soldiers who served or lost their lives on the island.

The island, when viewed from the air, looks like a tadpole, and has been divided into four sections: Topside, Middleside, Bottomside, and Tailside. It has also been nicknamed "the Rock" due to its many fortifications and rocky terrain. Each of the "sides" house a significant part of history. Topside housed barracks, communications center, golf course, etc. The Middleside housed the officers quarters, and included schools and a hospital. The Bottomside connects the middle to the tail by means of the Malinta tunnel. A tunnel that was ten years in the making (1922-1932). It literally became an underground city of its own housing a major hospital, and was used as a bomb shelter for the many air attacks on the island. The Tailside housed a small airfield and navy landing site. Our entire Zone loved this "getaway" to an island of fresh air, lizards, monkeys, and only 200 residents. I actually chose 3 sites for a perfect vacation home!! This place was the most beautiful, peaceful, perfectly clean place I have experienced here in the Philippines....rather ironic when you consider all of the pain and bloodshed that has taken place here. What a privilege for us to visit this piece of history.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

(pics. l-r) 1. Malaya Children on Christmas Day, 2. E/S Bird with Nel's Family 3. Elder Bird with Gifts for Malaya Branch Members 4. E/S Bird with Nel (We Did Christmas Service for His Family)

(pics. l-r) 1. Joel and Irene Javier in Manila Philippines Adm. Office 2. Sister Bird with Joel and Irene in Front of Manila Temple 3. Christmas Nativity on Temple Grounds 4. Christmas Lights on Temple Grounds 5. Christmas Tree in our Apt., we call it the "Infantry"!

The week before Christmas was a wonderful week! Christmas carols were being played everywhere and there were many beautiful decorations.....especially at the temple. Many of the saints and investigators from the Malaya Branch came to see the lights and have a temple tour put on by the full time missionaries. 33 of them rode in one jeepney....24 would be a full load....but so many wanted to come. Joel and Irene Javier came with them. We were so excited because they got to see where we work and meet our friends in the Public Affairs office. Then we walked around the temple with them and the rest of the group and had such a nice time. The evening was beautiful....I was so grateful because it had been raining a lot the past few days.
On Monday evening (Dec. 19th) we had our Senior Zone FHE at the new MTC (Missionary Training Center)....the big remodel and addition had just been completed...and the MTC President, Pres. Taylor invited us to a one man (him!) presentation of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Wow, it was so good and really filled us with the spirit of Christmas. Also, that day we finished getting out about 1000 Christmas cards and new 2012 Calendars, designed for our office....busy, busy!
On Tuesday we and the Goss' had put together a Christmas package for a former employee of the PAO, Nel, and we left work early to go to his home. Yes, even with all of the directions we were given, we had the hardest time finding his place. When we finally did, he was not home, but his mother was and also 3 of their 6 children. We loved meeting them and visiting with them and left our gift with strict instructions they were not to get into it until Nel arrived back home. Well, according to Nel, when he and his wife and their other 3 children arrived home, everything from the box was laid out on the floor of their small cement and cinderblock home just waiting! Then they divided up the minature candy bars and he said the children just ran around the room dancing and singing for joy. We had included some money, and he said his wife took off immediately to buy milk for the children.....they had not had any for weeks!! He had had to quit work because of health problems he was having. They had decided that his wife would go overseas (Taiwan) to work. A very difficult decision. She left the day after Christmas and cannot return for two years. Many of the Filipinos do this very thing to attempt to support their families financially. We went back to see them on Christmas day and took a picture of us with Nel. Also, some additional Christmas items were left for the family....now that we knew the ages of the children.
Wednesday was another favorite day. We have this group of maintenance workers that have helped us so much in public affairs. They move, lift, haul, clean, and just do lots of physical labor. So, we arranged with their boss to call each of them to the public affairs office for a job we needed done. Instead, when they arrived, we pointed them to the Director's office, and upon entry they found a reception of goodies and drinks set up for them. In addition, a gift certificate for one free lunch was presented to each of them. They were so surprised and we had so much fun doing this. Nel used to be one of this maintenance team. He calls us Mom and Dad.
Thursday we took a box of donuts to the Quezon City Post Office thanking them for how helpful they have been in getting our packages delivered to us. They truly love my husband and enjoy his visits there.
Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) was our Zone Christmas Social. It was a pot luck dinner with lots of "yummy" food brought. E/S Bell (Hermosa Beach, Ca.) helped so much with the decorations and games and a gift exchange. We had the conference room set up like a big living room/dining room with couches, Christmas tree, lamps, tables, etc. You would have thought it was a home. It was so fun. Randy got a small nativity and I received some candy which I quickly gave to the Malaya Branch on Christmas.
Christmas morning found us up early preparing to drive to Malaya for Church. No time for gifts. As we were sitting there ready for the meeting to begin, the Branch President got up and walked down to me and said,"Sister Bird, could you do me a favor"? Thinking he wanted me to lead the singing, I said "Sure, what can I do"? He said, "Would you be our speaker along with my wife....our other speaker didn't show up". I went into panic mode with my mind absolutely blank, and said "Sure, I would love to".....okay, a small lie! I did it...and I vow to be more prepared for things like this!! We made little gift bags for all the children (candy, pencils that said "I am a child of God" in Tagalog...thank you Julie, a little tablet to write in, and toothbrushes). The adults received toothbrushes and candy. Many of them were checked for what power of reading glasses they needed. We will then try to meet their needs with glasses sent from home (thanks to Petersons and Hemmings) or here. We had a horrendous drive home with traffic as bad as ever....I was determined to not let it affect the Christmas spirit! I kept pointing out to Randy that they were all FAMILIES that were in our way....what better thing....and then turned the TAB Choir Christmas CD up a little louder!!! We arrived home in time to leave again for Nel's home and then back here for a little time to open gifts. Then quickly off to Christmas dinner at the Bell's apartment. Who says it is more relaxing in the mission field? WHEW!! We loved opening our presents from home and each other. Things we needed were found in each box. It's almost as if our family planned it that way!! Hmmm!
To top our Christmas off, we skyped with each of our children and talked with my Mom. It was Monday here but Christmas there.
A couple of things we learned here: Christmas is celebrated at midnight on Christmas Eve with dinner, lots of time for prayer, and then gifts (for those that have them....they are not necessary). Santa does not play a significant role here. We are most grateful to be here and to experience Christmas in the Philippines.

MANILA FAMILY VALUES AWARD

(l-r) E/S Goss, Deo Divinagracia,E/S Bird,

E/S Bird with Catholic Archbishop and Bayani and Jo Imbong, Sister Bird at Shangri-La Staircase, Area Presidency and Wives

E/S Bird, Sister Bird and Sister Goss w/FVA Helpers, FVA recipients, Marides Fernando and Jo Imbong

The Manila Family Values Awards Dinner and Reception was held on November 29, 2011, at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong. The Area Public Affairs Office is completely responsible for this event....and it is a lot of work....and a very fun event.

The Family Values Awards are presented annually to community leaders in Asia, Europe and the United States. Notable recipients include Australian Prime Minister John Howard MP, anti-abortion and anti-euthanasia policy maker Jack Snelling MP, and Fr. Thomas Rosica, the National Director/CEO of World Youth Day (Canada). Okay, so it is a pretty big deal!

Atty. Jo Imbong, and Mr. and Mrs. Bayani Fernando were the recipients this year. Besides being the lawyer for the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Atty. Imbong is an author, educator and a family activist. She is married to Manuel B. Imbong, also a lawyer. They have eight children and three grandchildren.....all were present for the award presentation. She was so proud of each one as she introduced them to the audience....I could truly identify with her.....the heart of a mother! In her acceptance remarks, our hearts were touched as she quoted from The Proclamation on the Family.....and considers it a most amazing document. She also said that being mother to her 8 children is, without a doubt, her greatest accomplishment! The Fernando's are both former city mayors responsible for the establishment of a yearly festival which honors

the family.

We met a number of other important leaders in this country, including the Archbishop of San Fernando, the head of the Catholic Bishops Council, Senators, the former presidential candidate that ran against President Aquino (he invited us to his home for dinner....hmm....still waiting for him to call..., and professors from the University of the Philippines. Also present were many leaders from our church. It was a grand event and I must say, we were quite happy when it was successfully over!!!

TABACO CITY JUBILEE EXHIBIT

(l-r) 1. Tabaco Zone Missionaries 2. Sis. Ballan, Sis. Opeda, Sis. Brizuela 3. Sis. Mayores, Sis. Ejara, and Sis. Bird 4. E/S Bird with Tabaco Sisters

(l-r) 1. Filipino Boys Walking Home from School 2. Families Home in Tabaco 3. Elder Bird at Legazpi Airport 4. Carabao Hauling Lumber

Pili Nut Hills Located Near Legazpi

Mount Mayon Active Volcano Near Legazpi City

All That Remains of Church Buried by Mt. Mayon Eruption.

This is the Bell Tower that was 40 Feet High

Sunday afternoon we flew to Legazpi City, Albay province, in the Bicol area, so we could attend the Church History Jubilee Exhibit on Monday. As our plane descended we noticed these strange looking little hills below us. (see pic above, top) We asked and eventually discovered they were pili nut hills. These harvested nuts are a popular selling item in this province. We arrived safely and settled in for a good nights sleep at the Venezia Hotel. It was a very nice hotel that even had hot water in the showers. Monday morning we were up early and off to Tabaco (about 1 hour away) for an 8:00 am opening of the exhibit. We hired a driver who took us there. We arrived on time and saw everything set up beautifully. We marvel that these small branches are able to do so much with so few people. When we arrived at the exhibit, there was an entire zone of missionaries waiting. They were full of excitement and ready to teach all who came to learn about the history of the Church in the Philippines. This District Presidency had chosen to not hold an opening ceremony and had just announced to the branches the day before, that the week long exhibit would open the next morning at 8:00am....but hardly anyone came during the 2 hours that we were there. A few members of the Branch were there, but more in the capacity of responsibilities. The District President was out of town because he works in Manila during the week, but his wife was there finishing up the pictures on panel 8, which is the history of the church in their particular area. We met a Sister Salve Opeda, age 82, who looked almost 70, and was there looking at the panels. She had plenty of ideas on how she was going to invite more people to attend. She had been involved in public affairs earlier in her Church experience (joined the church in the '70's) and had many interesting experiences to share. I will share a couple. She grew up in a very Catholic environment....many in her family are Priests and Bishops. She had many questions and frustrations as a young adult, because she studied the scriptures faithfully, and felt that the teachings of her church didn't match up with the teaching of the scriptures. She voiced her questions to several in her church leadership and each one told her these were the "mysteries" and not for her to understand,... and to continue wanting answers showed you were a very rebellious spirit. So she left the church and started wondering if there really was a God. One night she had a vision in which she saw the Stick of Judah (Bible) join with the Stick of Joseph (she had no idea what that was) but the two books came together. She could never forget this vision and continued to wonder about it for years. Then one day the missionaries showed up....and she discovered what the "stick of Joseph" was....and it was history from there. Her life has been so blessed. She was the District Relief Society President for several years.....it was the Cebu District.....not even on the same island where she lived. It covered half of the islands in the Philippines! She said she went on frequent bus trips to visit sisters all over. She was just the happiest woman and is so willing to serve the Lord until she falls in the grave!! We enjoyed our visit with the members and missionaries who were there. We hope that they will have much success with the exhibit as the week progresses.

On our way back to the hotel, our driver asked if we would like to go to the Mt. Mayon Volcano Planetarium and Look Out. What was I thinking??? I should have known that anytime you hear "look out" it means a long winding road to the top of something!! Sure enough, it was a long trip way up the volcano! As we started the drive up, clouds rolled in and heavy rains came down. By the time we reached the Planetarium, heavy rain and winds wouldn't allow us to walk to the crater, nor could we see the spectacular view..... as clouds covered the valley below. We at least could go in the Planitarium, which was a room where we sat down and a man turned on a video showing the history of volcanic activity of Mt Mayon.....it was very interesting to watch, but was all in Tagalog...so we mostly watched!!! This volcano last erupted in 2009. Anyway, we had to laugh about this experience of driving all the way up there, trying very hard to not get car sick, only to see nothing but clouds, and watch a movie in Tagalog!

It rained the entire time we were there, so by Tuesday morning, we were ready to catch our flight back to Manila and then to the office. As we were waiting for our flight, it's cancellation was announced!! The miracle was that we got seats on the first flight out that afternoon, even though they told everyone there were no available seats on that flight! We are surely watched over.

MULTISTAKE PUBLIC AFFAIRS TRAINING

Multistake Public Affairs Councils of the Philippines

Our trip to Cebu was two fold: 1. Attend the Family Values Award 2. Train the Multistake Public Affairs Councils. Everything else was extra. Elder Perez, of the 70, asked us to train him, also, since he is over the Cebu area and we would already be here. It is the Area Seventy that is the Priesthood Advisor to the Multistake PAC, whereas, a member of the Stake Presidency is the Priesthood Advisor to the Stake PAC. We spent two hours with him and loved his desire to learn more about his duties. He was so kind and gracious, plus he was scheduled to be our fireside speaker the next night to begin our Multistake Public Affairs Councils training. FYI.... There are eight multistakes in the Philippines. These multistakes are located in more metropolitan areas and each is over the Stake Public Affairs Councils of between 4-7 stakes.....they share many of the same government, community, business, religious, and media leaders.

It was so wonderful on Friday, as the various council members began arriving, to see the faces that went with the names of those with whom we had been communicating for so long. Each one is very talented and accomplished in their own lives and are very much leaders in their own communities. There are also another 80 plus stakes. We will start training those stakes next year. So much work to be done. The fireside went so well and many of the directors knew each other from previous training, and had a happy reunion catching up on news and friendships. One from Manila was the former mission president to Bacolod so all of the people from that island were so happy to see him again. They hung around and visited for some time after the fireside.

The training we gave the multistake councils was divided among the four of us from the area office and also some of the directors that traveled to be with us. I helped with the "working with the Media" classes, while Randy instructed them on "Working with Priesthood Leaders". The Goss's taught about working with Opinion Leaders (VIPs) and doing reports. The group taught each other a lot! It was really a great experience....and ended at 3:00pm and they were all off to the airport (except the Cebu people) to catch their flights home.

There are also another 80 plus stakes that DO NOT fall under the umbrella of a multistake. We will start training those Stake PACs next year. So much work to be done.

CEBU TEMPLE

(l-r) 1. E/S Outside Cebu Temple 2. Cebu Temple Housing 3. Cebu Temple at Night 4. E/S Bird, Elder Perez, E/S Goss 5. Cebu Temple at Night

Following our tour of the city of Cebu, we hurried back to our hotel, got a quick bite to eat, and took a taxi to the Cebu temple just in time to catch the 3:00 pm session. Wow, this temple was soooo beautiful! The temple complex included a stake center, the homes of the temple presidency, a large temple housing building for the temple missionaries as well as for those who come from distances to do temple work, and a church distribution center. And, of course, the whole place was landscaped to perfection. The Temple President is President Gerald Mortimer, he was one of my doctors when we lived in Idaho (Drs. Robinson, Kindred, and Mortimer)! It is a small world after all! We enjoyed just walking around and breathing the FRESH air.

HISTORIC SITES IN CEBU

(l-r) 1. Magellan's crossing (depicting the history of Cebu) 2. E/S Bird at Dome Housing Magellan's Sword 3. Inside View of Basilica de Santo Ninyo 4. The Basilica 5. Magellan's Sword is Housed Inside this Cross

Haidi Fajardo (PA director of Cebu Multistake) and her husband, took us on a tour of the historic sights around Cebu. Who knew that this was where Magellan stopped on his great voyage and was quite instrumental in bringing Christianity to the Philippines? Not me! This is also where he was killed.....he hoped to convert King Lapulapu to Christianity, like he had some of the neighboring tribal leaders, but it didn't happen! Instead the warriors met Magellan and his few men....a couple made it back to their ship, but most were killed. Places we stopped were: Magellans crossing, the Magellan Shrine, Basilica de Santo Ninyo (interpreted: The Church of Baby Jesus....oldest church in Cebu...1521), and a very old home built by a wealthy family in 1851 that is now a museum. We didn't stop at the beach, but several times we saw the beautiful ocean as we were driving around. What a fun historic place the city of Cebu is.